U.S. patent application number 14/656035 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-17 for image recording apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The applicant listed for this patent is BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Iwane SANO, Keisuke WAKAKUSA.
Application Number | 20150259166 14/656035 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54068164 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150259166 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WAKAKUSA; Keisuke ; et
al. |
September 17, 2015 |
IMAGE RECORDING APPARATUS
Abstract
An image recording apparatus including: a housing; first through
third conveyance paths, the second and third paths merging with the
first conveyance path at a joining position; and a first guide
member disposed at the joining position, wherein (a) the first
guide member is configured to be kept, in a normal state, at a
first position at which the first guide member closes at least part
of the first conveyance path and opens the second and third
conveyance paths to the first conveyance path, at the joining
position and (b) the first guide member is configured to be moved,
by contacting a sheet conveyed through the first conveyance path,
to a second position at which the first guide member opens the
first conveyance path and closes at least part of the second
conveyance path and at least part of the third conveyance path with
respect to the first conveyance path.
Inventors: |
WAKAKUSA; Keisuke;
(Nagoya-shi, JP) ; SANO; Iwane; (Obu-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Nagoya-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Nagoya-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
54068164 |
Appl. No.: |
14/656035 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/3.19 ;
271/9.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2405/332 20130101;
B65H 2404/6111 20130101; B65H 2407/21 20130101; B65H 5/26 20130101;
B65H 2404/7414 20130101; B65H 2801/12 20130101; B65H 5/36
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65H 5/26 20060101
B65H005/26; B65H 7/20 20060101 B65H007/20; B65H 29/58 20060101
B65H029/58; B65H 1/28 20060101 B65H001/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 14, 2014 |
JP |
2014-052692 |
Claims
1. An image recording apparatus comprising: a housing; a first
conveyance path, a second conveyance path, and a third conveyance
path that are provided in the housing, the second conveyance path
and the third conveyance path merging with the first conveyance
path at a joining position, the image recording apparatus
configured to record an image on a recording medium conveyed
through the first conveyance path, the second conveyance path, and
the third conveyance path, wherein the image recording apparatus
further comprises a first guide member disposed at the joining
position and configured to guide a sheet as the recording medium
that is conveyed through the first conveyance path, and wherein (a)
the first guide member is configured to be kept, in a normal state,
at a first position at which the first guide member closes at least
part of the first conveyance path and opens the second conveyance
path and the third conveyance path to the first conveyance path, at
the joining position and (b) the first guide member is configured
to be moved, by contacting the sheet conveyed through the first
conveyance path, to a second position at which the first guide
member opens the first conveyance path and closes at least part of
the second conveyance path and at least part of the third
conveyance path with respect to the first conveyance path.
2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a first tray configured to support the sheet, wherein
the first conveyance path includes a curved portion that curvedly
extends upward from the first tray and an extending portion that is
continuous to the curved portion, and wherein the first guide
member is disposed at the curved portion.
3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
second conveyance path extends from a boundary between the
extending portion and the curved portion of the first conveyance
path in a direction opposite to a direction in which the extending
portion extends, the second conveyance path being configured to
guide a conveyed medium having high rigidity without being
bent.
4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising: a supply roller configured to supply the sheet from the
first tray to the first conveyance path, a conveyor roller pair
disposed at the extending portion and configured to convey the
sheet or the conveyed medium having a thickness larger than that of
the sheet along the extending portion and the second conveyance
path while nipping the sheet or the conveyed medium, and a
recording portion disposed at the extending portion so as to be
located downstream of the conveyor roller pair in a conveyance
direction in which the sheet supplied by the supply roller is
conveyed, the recording portion being configured to record an image
on the sheet or the conveyed medium that is conveyed through the
extending portion.
5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, further
comprising: a second guide member that defines at least part of the
curved portion; a third guide member disposed so as to be opposed
to the second guide member, the third guide member defining at
least part of the curved portion and at least part of the extending
portion; and a fourth guide member disposed so as to be opposed to
the third guide member, the fourth guide member defining at least
part of the extending portion, wherein the first guide member is
disposed so as to be pivotable about a proximal end thereof that is
located on one of opposite sides of the curved portion on which the
second guide member is located, a distal end of the first guide
member being located downstream of the joining position at the
extending portion in the conveyance direction when the first guide
member is located at the second position.
6. The image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a
distal end portion of the first guide member is supported by the
third guide member when the first guide member is located at the
first position.
7. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
conveyed medium is a media tray configured to support a recording
medium, and wherein the second conveyance path is configured to
guide the media tray.
8. The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the
second conveyance path is configured such that the media tray is
inserted from the most downstream portion of the extending portion
of the first conveyance path and reaches the second conveyance
path.
9. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
first guide member is located below the second conveyance path when
the first guide member is located at the first position.
10. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a second tray configured to support the sheet, wherein
the third conveyance path extends downward from the second tray and
is connected to the extending portion.
11. The image recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein,
when the first guide member is located at the first position, the
first guide member guides the sheet conveyed from the third
conveyance path by one surface thereof that is different from
another surface thereof by which the sheet conveyed from the first
conveyance path is guided.
12. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a forcing member configured to force the first guide
member in a direction from the second position to the first
position.
13. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a first tray configured to support the sheet, wherein
the first conveyance path includes a curved portion that curvedly
extends upward from the first tray and an extending portion that is
continuous to the curved portion, the first conveyance path being
defined by a second guide member that defines at least part of the
curved portion and a third guide member that is disposed so as to
be opposed to the second guide member and that defines at least
part of the curved portion and at least part of the extending
portion, wherein the first guide member is pivotally supported by
the second guide member such that the first guide member is
pivotable not only toward the second position that is located on
one of opposite sides of the first position, but also toward a
third position that is located on the other of the opposite sides
of the first position, wherein the second guide member has a
stopper configured to restrict a pivotal movement of the first
guide member from the first position to the third position such
that the first guide member stops at the third position, a state of
the second guide member being changeable between a closed state in
which the second guide member defines the at least part of the
curved portion and an open state in which the curved portion is
exposed, and wherein the third guide member has a guide portion
configured to come into contact with the first guide member that is
located at the third position and to guide the first guide member
to the first position, in a process in which the state of the
second guide member changes from the open state to the closed
state.
14. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a first tray configured to support the sheet, wherein
the first conveyance path includes a curved portion that curvedly
extends upward from the first tray and an extending portion that is
continuous to the curved portion, the first conveyance path being
defined by a second guide member that defines at least part of the
curved portion and a third guide member that is disposed so as to
be opposed to the second guide member and that defines at least
part of the curved portion and at least part of the extending
portion, wherein the first guide member is constituted by a
plurality of guides that are disposed so as to be spaced apart from
each other in a width direction orthogonal to the conveyance
direction, and wherein the third guide member has a plurality of
recessed portions formed so as to be spaced apart from each other
in the width direction, each of the plurality of guides of the
first guide member located at the first position being fitted in a
corresponding one of the plurality of the recessed portions.
15. An image recording apparatus comprising: a first tray and a
second tray each configured to support a sheet as a recording
medium; a housing; a first conveyance path, a second conveyance
path, and a third conveyance path that are provided in the housing,
the second conveyance path and the third conveyance path merging
with the first conveyance path at a joining position, the image
recording apparatus configured to record an image on the recording
medium conveyed through the first conveyance path, the second
conveyance path, and the third conveyance path, wherein the first
conveyance path is configured to guide the sheet supplied from the
first tray and includes a curved portion that curvedly extends
upward from the first tray and an extending portion that is
continuous to the curved portion, wherein the second conveyance
path is configured to guide a media tray that is configured to
support a recording medium and extends from a boundary between the
extending portion and the curved portion of the first conveyance
path in a direction opposite to a direction in which the extending
portion extends, wherein the third conveyance path is configured to
guide the sheet supplied from the second tray, the third conveyance
path extending downward from the second tray and continuous to the
extending portion, wherein the image recording apparatus further
comprises a guide member disposed at the joining position and
configured to guide the sheet conveyed through the first conveyance
path, and wherein (a) the guide member is configured to be kept, in
a normal state, at a first position at which the guide member
closes at least part of the first conveyance path and opens the
second conveyance path and the third conveyance path to the first
conveyance path, at the joining position and (b) the guide member
is configured to be moved, by contacting the sheet conveyed through
the first conveyance path, to a second position at which the guide
member opens the first conveyance path and closes at least part of
the second conveyance path and at least part of the third
conveyance path.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2014-052692, which was filed on Mar. 14, 2014, the
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an image recording
apparatus capable of conveying a sheet and a conveyed medium having
a larger thickness than a sheet.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Most of image recording apparatus such as printers are
capable of recording an image not only on a sheet such as a
recording sheet, but also on a recording medium having a larger
thickness than a sheet and on a CD and a DVD supported and conveyed
by a media tray (hereinafter collectively referred to as "conveyed
medium" where appropriate). The conveyed medium is inserted through
an inlet formed in a front surface or a rear surface of the image
recording apparatus and is conveyed through a main conveyance path
formed in the apparatus.
[0006] Some of the image recording apparatus have a rear tray
provided on a rear surface of the apparatus. A sheet supported by
the rear tray is supplied into the apparatus through a
rear-surface-side conveyance path. The rear-surface-side conveyance
path merges with a main conveyance path from an upper side of the
main conveyance path.
[0007] In the structure wherein the main conveyance path and the
rear-surface-side conveyance path merge with each other as
indicated above, there is a possibility that a conveyed medium or a
sheet is erroneously conveyed through an unintended conveyance path
different from a conveyance path through which the conveyed medium
or the sheet should be actually conveyed. To prevent such erroneous
conveyance, there has been disclosed a recording apparatus having a
guide member. The guide member closes part of the main conveyance
path at a predetermined position for enabling a sheet that is being
conveyed through the rear-surface-side conveyance path to be
smoothly introduced into the main conveyance path when a tray guide
configured to support a conveyed medium inserted into the apparatus
is located at a retracted position. In conjunction with a movement
of the tray guide from the retracted position to a supportable
position at which the tray guide can support the conveyed medium,
the guide member moves from the predetermined position at which the
guide member closes part of the main conveyance path to a position
at which the main conveyance path is open.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The apparatus constructed as described above, however, does
not take account of a structure in which three conveyance paths
merge with one another, and there is a risk that the guide member
described above cannot ensure stable conveyance of the sheet when
the guide member is used in the above structure in which the three
conveyance paths merge with one another. For moving the guide
member, the apparatus constructed as described above inevitably
needs a mechanism that permits the guide member and the tray guide
to move in conjunction with each other, undesirably resulting in an
increased size of the apparatus.
[0009] The present invention has been developed to provide an image
recording apparatus in which a guide member is movable
independently of other members and which can convey a sheet with
high stability in a structure in which three conveyance paths merge
with one another.
[0010] The present invention provides an image recording apparatus
comprising: a housing; a first conveyance path, a second conveyance
path, and a third conveyance path that are provided in the housing,
the second conveyance path and the third conveyance path merging
with the first conveyance path at a joining position, the image
recording apparatus configured to record an image on a recording
medium conveyed through the first conveyance path, the second
conveyance path, and the third conveyance path, wherein the image
recording apparatus further comprises a first guide member disposed
at the joining position and configured to guide a sheet as the
recording medium that is conveyed through the first conveyance
path, and wherein (a) the first guide member is configured to be
kept, in a normal state, at a first position at which the first
guide member closes at least part of the first conveyance path and
opens the second conveyance path and the third conveyance path to
the first conveyance path, at the joining position and (b) the
first guide member is configured to be moved, by contacting the
sheet conveyed through the first conveyance path, to a second
position at which the first guide member opens the first conveyance
path and closes at least part of the second conveyance path and at
least part of the third conveyance path with respect to the first
conveyance path.
[0011] The present invention also provides an image recording
apparatus comprising: a first tray and a second tray each
configured to support a sheet as a recording medium; a housing; a
first conveyance path, a second conveyance path, and a third
conveyance path that are provided in the housing, the second
conveyance path and the third conveyance path merging with the
first conveyance path at a joining position, the image recording
apparatus configured to record an image on the recording medium
conveyed through the first conveyance path, the second conveyance
path, and the third conveyance path, wherein the first conveyance
path is configured to guide the sheet supplied from the first tray
and includes a curved portion that curvedly extends upward from the
first tray and an extending portion that is continuous to the
curved portion, wherein the second conveyance path is configured to
guide a media tray that is configured to support a recording medium
and extends from a boundary between the extending portion and the
curved portion of the first conveyance path in a direction opposite
to a direction in which the extending portion extends, wherein the
third conveyance path is configured to guide the sheet supplied
from the second tray, the third conveyance path extending downward
from the second tray and continuous to the extending portion,
wherein the image recording apparatus further comprises a guide
member disposed at the joining position and configured to guide the
sheet conveyed through the first conveyance path, and wherein (a)
the guide member is configured to be kept, in a normal state, at a
first position at which the guide member closes at least part of
the first conveyance path and opens the second conveyance path and
the third conveyance path to the first conveyance path, at the
joining position and (b) the guide member is configured to be
moved, by contacting the sheet conveyed through the first
conveyance path, to a second position at which the guide member
opens the first conveyance path and closes at least part of the
second conveyance path and at least part of the third conveyance
path.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The objects, features, advantages, and technical and
industrial significance of the present invention will be better
understood by reading the following detailed description of the
embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a multi-function
peripheral (MFP) according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an elevational view in vertical cross section
schematically showing an inner structure of a printer unit of the
MFP of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIGS. 3A and 3B are external perspective views each showing
a guide member (34);
[0016] FIGS. 4A-4C are elevational views in vertical cross section
schematically showing an inner structure of a rear portion of the
printer unit 11 in an open state of an outer guide member (FIG.
4A), in a process in which a state of the outer guide member
changes from the open state to a closed state (FIG. 4B), and in the
closed state of the outer guide member (FIG. 4C);
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the rear portion of the
printer unit when the guide member (34) is located at a first
position;.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the rear portion of the
printer unit when the guide member (34) is located a second
position;
[0019] FIG. 7 is an elevational view in vertical cross section
schematically showing the inner structure of the printer unit in a
state in which a media tray is mounted; and
[0020] FIG. 8 is an elevational view in vertical cross section
schematically showing part of a housing, the guide member (34), the
outer guide member, and a coil spring according to a modified
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0021] There will be hereinafter explained a multi-function
peripheral (MFP) 10 according to one embodiment of the invention
with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that the
embodiment is described by way of example and the invention may be
embodied otherwise without departing from the scope and spirit of
the invention. The MFP 10 is used in a state shown in FIG. 1. In
the following explanation, an up-down direction 7 is defined as an
up-down direction of the MFP 10 in the state shown in FIG. 1. A
front-rear direction 8 is defined by regarding a side of the MFP 10
on which an opening 13 is formed as a front side. A right-left
direction 9 is defined in a state in which the MFP 10 is viewed
from the front side.
Overall Structure of MFP 10
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 10 having a generally
rectangular parallelepiped shape has a printer unit 11 (as one
example of an image recording apparatus of the invention)
configured to record an image on a sheet such as a recording sheet
(as one example of a recording medium of the invention) according
to an ink-jet recording technique. The MFP 10 has various functions
such a facsimile function and a printing function. The MFP 10 has a
function of recording an image on a surface of a recording medium
such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM having a larger thickness than the
sheet.
[0023] In the present embodiment, the recording medium is conveyed
through a straight path 65B and a label path 67 (that will be
explained) while being supported by a plate-like media tray 71
(FIG. 7). In this instance, the recording medium is one example of
a recording medium of the present invention, and the media tray 71
is one example of a conveyed medium of the present invention. The
printer unit 11 may be configured such that a recording medium
itself is conveyed through the straight path 65B and the label path
67. In this instance, the recording medium is one example of the
recording medium of the present invention and is one example of the
conveyed medium of the present invention.
[0024] The printer unit 11 has a housing 14 having an opening 13
formed in its front surface. There are provided, in the opening 13,
a supply tray 20 (as one example of a first tray of the present
invention) and an output tray 21 on which the recording sheets in
various sizes can be supported. The supply tray 20 and the output
tray 21 are insertable into and removable from the housing 14
through the opening 13 in the front-rear direction 8.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the printer unit 11 includes: a
supply unit 15 configured to supply the recording sheet from the
supply tray 20; a recording portion 24 configured to record an
image on the recording sheet; a first conveyor roller pair 54 (as
one example of a conveyor roller pair of the present invention) and
a second conveyor roller pair 55 that are configured to convey the
recording sheet and the media tray 71; a conveyance path 65 (as one
example of a first conveyance path of the present invention); a
label path 67 (as one example of a second conveyance path of the
present invention); and a bypass path 66 (as one example of a third
conveyance path of the present invention). In other words, there
are disposed, in the housing 14, the supply unit 15, the recording
portion 24, the first conveyor roller pair 54, and the second
conveyor roller pair 55. There are formed, in the housing 14, the
conveyance path 65, the label path 67, and the bypass path 66.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, a scanner unit 12 is provided over the
printer unit 11. The scanner unit 12 is a flatbed scanner. Since
the structure of the flatbed scanner is well known, its explanation
is dispensed with.
Printer Unit 11
[0027] The printer unit 11 will be explained in detail.
Supply Tray 20
[0028] The supply tray 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shaped like a
box opening upward. The output tray 21 is disposed above the supply
tray 20. The supply tray 20 is configured to support, on its
support surface, a stack of recording sheets in various sizes such
as an A4 size according to the Japanese Industrial Standards and an
L size for photo printing. The supply tray 20 is disposed in an
inner space of the housing 14 that is connected to the opening 13.
The supply tray 20 is insertable into and retractable from the
housing 14 in the front-rear direction 8 through the opening
13.
Supply Unit 15
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the supply unit 15 has a supply roller
25, a supply arm 26, and a driving-force transmitting mechanism 27.
The supply unit 15 is disposed above the supply tray 20 and below
the recording portion 24. The supply roller 25 is rotatably
supported by a distal end portion of the supply arm 26. The supply
arm 26 is configured to pivot about a shaft 28 provided at its
proximal end portion in a direction indicated by an arrow 29. The
pivotal movement of the supply arm 26 causes the supply roller 25
to be moved toward and away from the support surface of the supply
tray 20. Consequently, the supply roller 25 can contact an
uppermost one of the recording sheets stacked on the supply tray 20
when the supply tray 20 on which the recording sheets are stacked
is mounted in the housing 14.
[0030] A driving force of a motor (not shown) is transmitted to the
supply roller 25 via the driving-force transmitting mechanism 27.
The driving-force transmitting mechanism 27 transmits rotation
transmitted to the shaft 28 to a shaft of the supply roller 25 by a
gear train composed of a plurality of gears meshing with one
another. The supply roller 25 rotates while being in contact with
the uppermost one of the recording sheets supported on the support
surface of the supply tray 20, so that the uppermost recording
sheet is supplied to the conveyance path 65.
Conveyance Path 65
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance path 65 provided in the
inner space of the housing 14 curvedly extends upward from a rear
end portion of the supply tray 20, then extends toward the front
side, and finally reaches the output tray 21. The conveyance path
65 guides the recording sheet supplied from the supply tray 20. The
conveyance path 65 is constituted by a curved path 65A (as one
example of a curved portion of the present invention) and the
straight path 65B (as one example of an extending portion of the
present invention) that is continuous to the curved path 65A.
[0032] The curved path 65A is defined by: an outer guide member 18
(as one example of a second guide member of the present invention);
and an inner guide member 19 and a guide member 31. The outer guide
member 18 is opposed to the inner guide member 19 and the guide
member 31 with a space interposed therebetween through which the
recording sheet can pass. Since the straight path 65B extends
substantially straight, the media tray 71 can pass therethrough
without being bent. The straight path 65B is defined by: the
recording portion 24 and a platen 42 that are opposed to each other
with a space interposed therebetween through which the recording
sheet and the media tray 71 can pass; and the guide member 31 and a
guide member 32 (as one example of a fourth guide member of the
present invention) that are opposed to each other with a space
interposed therebetween through which the recording sheet and the
media tray 71 can pass. The inner guide member 19 and the guide
member 31 constitute one example of a third guide member of the
present invention.
[0033] In the present embodiment, the entirety of the curved path
65A is defined by the outer guide member 18, the inner guide member
19, and the guide member 31. The outer guide member 18, the inner
guide member 19, and the guide member 31 may define only part of
the curved path 65A. In the present embodiment, the guide members
31, 32 define only part of the straight path 65B. The guide members
31, 32 may define the entirety of the straight path 65B.
[0034] The recording sheet supplied along the conveyance path 65 by
the supply roller 25 of the supply tray 20 is conveyed upward from
the lower side along the curved path 65A, then makes a U-turn, and
is finally conveyed frontward from the rear side along the straight
path 65B. That is, the recording sheet is conveyed in a conveyance
direction 17 indicated by the dot-and-dash line in FIG. 2.
[0035] The outer guide member 18 provides an outer guide surface
for guiding the recording sheet when the recording sheet is
conveyed along the curved path 65A. The inner guide member 19
provides an inner guide surface for guiding the recording sheet
when the recording sheet is conveyed along the curved path 65A. The
guide member 31 provides a lower guide surface for guiding the
recording sheet when the recording sheet is conveyed along the
straight path 65B. The guide member 32 provides an upper guide
surface for guiding the recording sheet when the recording sheet is
conveyed along the straight path 65B. The guide member 32 also
defines the bypass path 66 that will be explained. Each of the
guide surfaces may be constituted by a single surface or a group of
distal end faces of a plurality of ribs.
Pivotal Movement of Outer Guide Member 18
[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the outer guide member 18 is pivotally
supported by the housing 14. The outer guide member 18 defines part
of the rear surface of the housing 14. The outer guide member 18 is
supported by the housing 14 at shafts 76 respectively provided on
lower right and left ends of the outer guide member 18.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4C, the outer guide member 18
provides the outer guide surface of the curved path 65A when the
outer guide member 18 takes an upright posture with respect to the
housing 14. A state of the outer guide member 18 in this instance
corresponds to a closed state of the present invention. When the
outer guide member 18 pivots about the shafts 76 with respect to
the housing 14, namely, when an upper portion (a distal end
portion) of the outer guide member 18 is inclined rearward with
respect to the housing 14 as shown in FIG. 4A, the curved path 65A
is opened or exposed outwardly of the housing 14. A state of the
outer guide member 18 in this instance corresponds to an open state
of the present invention.
[0038] The state of the outer guide member 18 may be changed
between the closed state and the open state by any manner other
than the pivotal movement, such as by attaching and detaching the
outer guide member 18 to and from the housing 14.
First Conveyor Roller Pair 54 and Second Conveyor Roller Pair
55
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the first conveyor roller pair 54 is
disposed upstream of the recording portion 24 in the conveyance
direction 17 in the straight path 65B. The first conveyor roller
pair 54 includes a first conveyor roller 60 and a pinch roller 61.
The second conveyor roller pair 55 is dispose downstream of the
recording portion 24 in the conveyance direction 17 in the straight
path 65B. The second conveyor roller pair 55 includes a second
conveyor roller 62 and a spur roller 63. The first conveyor roller
60 and the second conveyor roller 62 rotate by rotation of a motor
(not shown) transmitted thereto.
Recording Portion 24
[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the recording portion 24 is disposed
between the first conveyor roller pair 54 and the second conveyor
roller pair 55 in the straight path 65B. The recording portion 24
includes a carriage 41 and a recording head 39. The carriage 41 is
supported by guide rails 43, 44 provided above the platen 42, so as
to be reciprocatingly movable in the right-left direction 9. The
guide rail 44 has a known belt mechanism. The carriage 41 is
connected to an endless belt of the belt mechanism and reciprocates
along the guide rails 43, 44 in the right-left direction 9 by a
rotational movement of the endless belt. In a state in which the
carriage 41 and the recording head 39 are opposed to the platen 42
with a space interposed therebetween, the carriage 41, the
recording head 39, and the platen 42 define part of the straight
path 65B.
[0041] The recording head 39 is mounted on the carriage 41. A
plurality of nozzles (not shown) are formed in a lower surface of
the recording head 39. Ink is supplied to the recording head 39
from an ink cartridge (not shown). The recording head 39 ejects
minute ink droplets selectively from the nozzles. While the
carriage 41 is moving in the right-left direction 9, the ink
droplets are ejected from the nozzles toward the recording sheet
conveyed through the straight path 65B or the recording medium
supported by the media tray 71. The ejected ink droplets are
attached to the recording sheet on the platen 42 or the recording
medium on the media tray 71, so that an image is recorded on the
recording sheet or the recording medium.
Movement of Each Roller Pair 54, 55, Platen 42, and Guide Member
31
[0042] A lower roller, i.e., the pinch roller 61 of the first
conveyor roller pair 54, a lower roller, i.e., the second conveyor
roller 62, of the second conveyor roller pair 55, and the platen 42
are movable in the up-down direction 7. Further, the guide member
31 is pivotable with respect to the housing 14 about a shaft 75
provided at a rear end portion of the guide member 31. In the
present embodiment, the guide member 31 is pivotally supported by
the inner guide member 19. The guide member 31 may be pivotally
supported by any member, such as the housing 14, other than the
inner guide member 19.
[0043] The pinch roller 61 and the second conveyor roller 62 are
movable between: a contact position (indicated by the solid line in
FIG. 2) at which the pinch roller 61 and the second conveyor roller
62 are in contact with the first conveyor roller 60 and the spur
roller 63, respectively; and a distant position (indicated by the
dashed line in FIG. 2) at which the pinch roller 61 and the second
conveyor roller 62 are distant from the first conveyor roller 60
and the spur roller 63, respectively.
[0044] The movement of the pinch roller 61 and the second conveyor
roller 62 described above is effectuated by a known structure. In
the present embodiment, a lever 95 (FIG. 1) disposed in the inner
space connected to the opening 13 and a support member (not shown)
that supports the pinch roller 61 and the second conveyor roller 62
are coupled to each other. The support member moves in the up-down
direction 7 when the lever 95 is moved by a user. The movement of
the support member in the up-down direction 7 causes the pinch
roller 61 and the second conveyor roller 62 to be moved between the
contact position and the distant position. The movement of the
pinch roller 61 and the second conveyor roller 62 may be
effectuated by any other structure. For instance, the pinch roller
61 and the second conveyor roller 62 may be moved by a driving
force produced by a motor (not shown).
[0045] When the pinch roller 61 and the second conveyor roller 62
are located at the contact position, the recording sheet can be
nipped between the rollers of the first conveyor roller pair 54 and
the rollers of the second conveyor roller pair 55. When the pinch
roller 61 and the second conveyor roller 62 are located at the
distant position, the media tray 71 can be nipped between the
rollers of the first conveyor roller pair 54 and the rollers of the
second conveyor roller pair 55. The first conveyor roller pair 54
and the second conveyor roller pair 55 are configured to convey the
recording sheet or the media tray 71 along the straight path 65B
and the label path 67 (that will be explained) in a state in which
the recording sheet or the media tray 71 is nipped, by rotation of
the first conveyor roller 60 and the second conveyor roller 62.
[0046] The platen 42 is movable between: an upper position
(indicated by the solid line in FIG. 2) at which a distance, in the
up-down direction 7, between the recording sheet supported by the
platen 42 and the recording head 39 is equal to a suitable distance
for image recording on the recording sheet; and a lower position
(indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 2 and indicated in FIG. 7)
which is lower than the upper position and which is located below
the media tray 71 conveyed through the straight path 65B. The
movement of the platen 42 is effectuated by a known structure
similar to that for the movement of the rollers 61, 62. For
instance, a support member that supports the platen 42 is coupled
to the lever 95 described above, and a movement of the support
member in the up-down direction 7 in conjunction with the lever 95
causes the platen 42 to be moved in the up-down direction 7.
[0047] The guide member 31 is pivotable between: a first pivot
position (indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 2) for guiding the
recording sheet through the conveyance path 65; and a second pivot
position (indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 2) for guiding the
media tray 71 through the straight path 65B. When the guide member
31 is located at the second pivot position, the distal end portion
of the guide member 31 is located at a position lower than that
when the guide member 31 is located at the first pivot position.
The pivotal movement of the guide member 31 is effectuated by a
known structure. For instance, the guide member 31 is supported by
a support member coupled to the lever 95 described above so as to
be kept located at the first pivot position, and the guide member
31 pivots from the first pivot position to the second pivot
position when supporting of the guide member 31 by the support
member is canceled. Further, the guide member 31 pivots from the
second pivot position to the first pivot position by being lifted
up by the support member that moves in conjunction with the
movement of the lever 95. The guide member 31 may be moved by any
manner other than the pivotal movement such as sliding in the
up-down direction 7.
Recessed Portions 51 of Guide Member 31
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the guide member 31 has recessed
portions 51. The recessed portions 51 are formed so as to be spaced
apart from one another in the right-left direction 9. The positions
of the recessed portions 51 in the right-left direction 9
correspond to positions of pivotal distal ends of a guide member 34
that will be explained.
Label Path 67
[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the label path 67 is formed in the
housing 14. The label path 67 extends backward from a boundary
between the curved path 65A and the straight path 65B in the
conveyance path 65. The label path 67 and the straight path 65B
constitute a single path extending substantially in the front-rear
direction 8. The label path 67, together with the straight path
65B, can guide the media tray 71 without being bent.
[0050] The label path 67 is defined by the outer guide member 18
and a guide member 33 that are opposed to each other with a space
interposed therebetween through which the media tray 71 can
pass.
[0051] The label path 67 may be configured such that the media tray
71 passes therethrough while being in contact with the outer guide
member 18 or the guide member 33. Alternatively, the label path 67
may be configured such that the media tray 71 passes therethrough
without contacting any of the outer guide member 18 and the guide
member 33. In other words, "the label path 67 can guide the media
tray 71" not only means that the media tray 71 passes through the
label path 67 while being in contact with the outer guide member 18
or the guide member 33, but also means that the media tray 71
passes through the label path 67 without contacting any of the
outer guide member 18 and the guide member 33.
Bypass Path 66
[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the bypass path 66 is formed in the
housing 14. The bypass path 66 is formed above and rearward of the
straight path 65B so as to extend toward the conveyance path 65,
namely, toward the straight path 65B in the present embodiment. The
bypass path 66 extends, in the housing 14, obliquely from the upper
right to the lower left in FIG. 2 and from the rear side toward the
front side in the front-rear direction 8. The bypass path 66 is
connected to the straight path 65B at a joining position 80 at
which the straight path 65B and the label path 67 merge with each
other. The bypass path 66 is located at a higher position than any
of the curved path 65A, the straight path 65B, and the label path
67. The bypass path 66 is defined by the guide member 32 and the
guide member 33 that are opposed to each other with a space
interposed therebetween through which the recording sheet can
pass.
[0053] The recording sheet supported by a bypass tray 70 (that will
be explained) is guided obliquely from the upper right to the lower
left in FIG. 2 along the bypass path 66. The recording sheet is
then guided along the straight path 65B of the conveyance path 65
and is conveyed by the first conveyor roller pair 54. The recording
sheet is thereafter subjected to image recording performed by the
recording portion 24 and is finally discharged to the output tray
21.
Bypass Tray 70
[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the bypass tray 70 (as one example of a
second tray of the present invention) is provided above the outer
guide member 18 on the rear side of the MFP 10. The bypass tray 70
is configured to support the recording sheets independently of the
supply tray 20.
[0055] The bypass tray 70 includes a support portion 68 for
supporting the recording sheets and a contact portion 69 with which
leading edges of the recording sheets that are supported by the
support portion 68 are in contact. The contact portion 69 connects
the support portion 68 and the guide member 33.
[0056] A separation member 72 is provided on the contact portion
69. The leading edges of the recording sheets that are supported by
the bypass tray 70 are in contact with an upper surface of the
separation member 72. A plurality of teeth (not shown) that are
arranged in the front-rear direction 8 are formed on the upper
surface of the separation member 72 so as to protrude upward from
the upper surface.
[0057] While not shown, the bypass tray 70 is provided with a
supply unit having a structure similar to that of the supply unit
15. The supply unit has a supply roller disposed above the support
portion 68. The supply roller rotates by a driving force
transmitted thereto from a motor, so that an uppermost one of the
recording sheets supported by the support portion 68 of the bypass
tray 70 is supplied to the bypass path 66. The uppermost sheet is
separated by the teeth of the separation member 72 from other
sheets present under the uppermost sheet. Consequently, the other
sheets present under the uppermost sheet are kept supported on the
bypass tray 70 without being dragged together with the uppermost
sheet.
Guide Member 34
[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the guide member 34 (as one example of a
first guide member) is disposed at a portion of the curved path 65A
near to the straight path 65B. The guide member 34 has a curved
plate-like shape shown in FIG. 3. It is noted that a plurality of
guide members 34 may be provided so as to be spaced apart from one
another in the right-left direction 9 (as one example of a width
direction of the present invention). In this instance, each of the
plurality of guide members 34 is one example of a guide of the
present invention.
[0059] The guide member 34 is pivotally supported by the outer
guide member 18. Specifically, the guide member 34 is pivotally
supported, by the outer guide member 18, at shafts 83 respectively
provided at right and left ends of its rear-side portion.
[0060] When the outer guide member 18 is in the closed state, the
guide member 34 is pivotable between a first position indicated by
the solid line in FIG. 2 and a second position indicated by the
dashed line in FIG. 2, such that its downstream side in the
conveyance direction 17, namely, its rear side, functions as a
proximal end side while its front side functions as a pivotal
distal end side. When the outer guide member 18 is in the open
state shown in FIG. 4A, the guide member 34 is pivotable also
toward a third position. The third position indicated by the solid
line in FIG. 4A is located on one of opposite sides of the first
position remote from the second position. In FIG. 4A, the guide
member 34 located at the first position is illustrated by the
dashed line while the guide member 34 located at the second
position is illustrated by the dot-and dash line.
[0061] It is noted that the guide member 34 may be supported by any
member, such as the housing 14, other than the outer guide member
18.
[0062] In a state in which the guide member 34 is located at the
first position, the guide member 34 is located below the joining
position 80 and below the label path 67.
[0063] When the guide member 34 is located at the second position,
a lower surface 77 (FIG. 3) of the guide member 34, together with
the outer guide member 18, defines part of an outer periphery of
the curved path 65A. A plurality of ribs 78 (each of which may be
regarded as one example of a guide of the present invention) are
formed on a backside of the lower surface 77 of the guide member 34
so as to be spaced apart from one another in the right-left
direction 9. When the guide member 34 is located at the first
position, the ribs 78, together with the guide member 31, define
part of a lower periphery of the straight path 65B. That is, the
guide member 34 guides the recording sheet conveyed through the
conveyance path 65.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, the guide member 34 has a plurality of
protruding portions 35 that protrude from a downstream-side portion
of the guide member 34 in the conveyance direction 17. A distal end
of each protruding portion 35 functions as a pivotal distal end 81
of the guide member 34. In the state in which the guide member 34
is located at the first position, the protruding portions 35 are
fitted in the respective recessed portions 51 of the guide member
31. Each protruding portion 35 may be entirely fitted in the
corresponding recessed portion 51. Alternatively, each protruding
portion 35 may be fitted in the corresponding recessed portion 51
such that an upper section of the protruding portion 35 protrudes
from the recessed portion 51.
[0065] In a normal state in which no external force is applied to
the guide member 34, the protruding portions 35 of the guide member
34 are supported by the guide member 31, as shown in FIG. 2. The
guide member 34 is thus held at the first position. It is noted
that the protruding portions 35 of the guide member 34 may be
supported by any member, such as the housing 14, other than the
guide member 31.
[0066] As described above, when the guide member 34 is located at
the first position, the portion thereof on the pivotal proximal end
side is supported by the outer guide member 18 while the protruding
portions 35 on the pivotal distal end side are supported by the
guide member 31. Consequently, the guide member 34 located at the
first position closes the curved path 65A of the conveyance path 65
at the joining position 80. Further, the guide member 34 located at
the first position is distant from the guide member 32. Thus, the
label path 67 and the bypass path 66 are opened to the conveyance
path 65 at the joining position 80.
[0067] The guide member 34 located at the first position need not
necessarily close the curved path 65A of the conveyance path 65
entirely at the joining position 80. For instance, the guide member
34 located at the first position may close only part of the curved
path 65A at the joining position 80 on the condition that a
possibility of entry, into the straight path 65B, of the recording
sheet conveyed through the curved path 65A in the conveyance
direction 17 can be reduced.
[0068] The guide member 34 is pushed upward by the recording sheet
conveyed through the curved path 65A in the conveyance direction
17, whereby the guide member 34 pivots from the first position to
the second position. In a state in which the guide member 34 is
located at the second position, a generally central portion of the
guide member 34 in the front-rear direction 8 is located at the
joining position 80.
[0069] When the guide member 34 pivots from the first position to
the second position, the pivotal distal ends 81 of the guide member
34 are separated away from the guide member 31, so that the curved
path 65A is opened. Further, when the guide member 34 pivots from
the first position to the second position, the pivotal distal ends
81 of the guide member 34 come into contact with a lower surface of
the guide member 32, as indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 2. As
a result, the guide member 34 closes the label path 67 and the
bypass path 66 with respect to the conveyance path 65.
[0070] The guide member 34 located at the second position need not
necessarily close the label path 67 and the bypass path 66 entirely
with respect to the conveyance path 65. For instance, the guide
member 34 may only partially close the label path 67 and the bypass
path 66 with respect to the conveyance path 65 on the conditions
that the media tray 71 cannot be conveyed between the straight path
65B and the label path 67 and that the recording sheet cannot be
conveyed from the bypass path 66 to the straight path 65B.
[0071] To only partially close part of each of the curved path 65A,
the label path 67, and the bypass path 66 includes a case in which,
where a plurality of guide members 34 are provided so as to be
spaced from one another in the right-left direction 9, a space
between any adjacent two guide members 34 does not close each
path.
[0072] The pivotal distal ends 81 of the guide member 34 located at
the second position are located downstream of the joining position
80 in the conveyance direction 17. It is thus possible to prevent,
with high reliability, the recording sheet that is being conveyed
from the curved path 65A to the straight path 65B in the conveyance
direction 17 from being erroneously enter the label path 67 or the
bypass path 66.
Stopper 79 of Outer Guide Member 18 and Curved Surfaces 52 of the
Guide Member 34
[0073] As shown in FIG. 4, the outer guide member 18 has a stopper
79 configured to restrict the pivotal movement of the guide member
34 from the first position to the third position such that the
guide member 34 stops at the third position. In the present
embodiment, the stopper 79 is a contact piece formed at a position
of the outer guide member 18 located under the guide member 34. The
stopper 79 contacts the lower surface 77 of the guide member 34
located at the third position from below. It is thus possible to
prevent the guide member 34 from pivoting further downward beyond
the third position.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, the guide member 31 has, on the rear
side of each recessed portion 51, a curved surface 52 (as one
example of a guide portion of the present invention) that is curved
downward.
[0075] When the state of the outer guide member 18 changes from the
closed state (FIG. 4C) to the open state (FIG. 4A) as a result of
its pivotal movement, the pivotal distal ends 81 of the guide
member 34 are separated away from the guide member 31.
Consequently, the guide member 34 is not supported by the guide
member 31 any more and hence pivots from the first position to the
third position (FIG. 4A) by its own weight. Since the guide member
34 that has pivoted to the third position comes into contact with
the stopper 79, the guide member 31 is inhibited from pivoting
further downward.
[0076] In a process in which the state of the outer guide member 18
changes from the open state to the closed state by its pivotal
movement, the pivotal distal ends 81 of the guide member 34 come
into contact with the respective curved surfaces 52 of the guide
member 31, as shown in FIG. 4B. When the outer guide member 18
further pivots in this state, the guide member 34 pivots from the
third position to the first position while being guided by the
curved surfaces 52. When the state of the outer guide member 18 is
changed to the closed state, the guide member 34 is located at the
first position.
Image Recording Operation on Recording Sheet
[0077] When a user operates an operation panel 73 (FIG. 1) provided
on an upper portion of the front surface of the MFP 10 and a
controller (not shown) of the MFP 10 thereby commands image
recording on the recording sheet supported by the supply tray 20,
the supply roller 25 rotates. Consequently, the recording sheet
supported by the supply tray 20 is supplied to the curved path 65A
and is conveyed through the curved path 65A in the conveyance
direction 17.
[0078] When the leading edge of the recording sheet in the
conveyance direction 17 comes into contact with the guide member 34
located at the first position by its own weight, the guide member
34 is pushed upward by the recording sheet and pivots from the
first position to the second position, so that the guide member 34
is separated away from the guide member 31. As a result, the curved
path 65A and the straight path 65B closed by the guide member 34
are connected to each other. The recording sheet is then conveyed
from the curved path 65A to the straight path 65B while being
guided by the lower surface 77 (FIG. 3B) of the guide member 34. In
this instance, the guide member 34 located at the second position
prevents the recording sheet from entering the bypass path 66 or
the label path 67 from the conveyance path 65 and prevents the
recording sheet from getting caught on the guide member 33.
[0079] The recording sheet subsequently passes under the recording
portion 24. In this instance, the recording head 39 of the
recording portion 24 ejects ink droplets onto the recording sheet
that is being conveyed, so that an image is recorded on the
recording sheet. The recording sheet is thereafter discharged to
the exterior of the MFP 10 through the opening 13 and is finally
supported on the output tray 21.
[0080] When the user operates the operation panel 73 (FIG. 1) and
the controller of the MFP 10 thereby commands image recording on
the recording sheet supported by the support portion 68 of the
bypass tray 70, the supply roller (not shown) disposed so as to be
opposed to the support portion 68 rotates. Consequently, the
recording sheet supported by the support portion 68 is supplied to
the straight path 65B via the bypass path 66. The recording sheet
entered the straight path 65B from above the same 65B comes into
contact with the ribs 78 (FIG. 3A) of the guide member 34 located
at the first position and is guided in the conveyance direction 17
by the ribs 78, so that the recording sheet is conveyed through the
straight path 65B in the conveyance direction 17. In this instance,
the guide member 34 located at the first position prevents entry of
the recording sheet from the straight path 65B into the curved path
65A. Thereafter, an image is recorded on the recording sheet by the
recording portion 24 and is finally supported by the output tray
21.
Image Recording Operation on Recording Medium Supported by Media
Tray 71
[0081] Initially, the lever 95 is moved forward by the user, so
that each of the roller pairs 54, 55 and the platen 42 are moved to
the lower position and the guide member 31 pivots to the second
pivot position. Subsequently, the media tray 71 on which the
recording medium is supported is inserted by the user into the MFP
10 while being supported by a tray guide (not shown) provided in
the inner space connected to the opening 13. In this instance, the
leading end portion of the media tray 71 is located between the
first conveyor roller 60 and the second conveyor roller 62.
[0082] When the user operates the operation panel 73 (FIG. 1) in
this state and the controller (not shown) of the MFP 10 thereby
commands image recording on the recording medium, the first
conveyor roller 60 and the second conveyor roller 62 rotate
forward. As a result, the media tray 71 is conveyed in the backward
direction that is opposite to the conveyance direction 17 and
subsequently reaches the label path 67 via the straight path 65B.
That is, the media tray 71 is inserted from the most downstream
side of the straight path 65B in the conveyance direction 17 and
reaches the label path 67. The media tray 71 is conveyed in the
backward direction until the surface of the recording medium
becomes opposed to the recording portion 24.
[0083] Since the guide member 34 located at the first position is
located below the label path 67, the media tray 71 that is being
conveyed does not come into contact with the guide member 34.
[0084] Subsequently, the controller controls rotation of the first
conveyor roller 60 and the second conveyor roller 62 to be changed
from forward rotation to reverse rotation, so that the media tray
71 is conveyed in the forward direction. While the media tray 71 is
conveyed in the forward direction, the recording head 39 ejects ink
droplets on the recording medium supported by the media tray. Thus,
an image is recorded on the surface of the recording medium.
Thereafter, the media tray 71 is discharged to the exterior of the
MFP 10 through the opening 13.
[0085] In a state in which the media tray 71 conveyed backward has
reached the label path 67, the media tray 71 may protrude or need
not protrude from the rear surface of the MFP 10 through an opening
(not shown) formed in the rear surface. Where the media tray 71
does not protrude from the rear surface of the MFP 10, the opening
need not be formed.
[0086] In the present embodiment, the media tray 71 is inserted
into the MFP 10 from its front side. The media tray 71 may be
inserted into the MFP 10 from its rear side.
Advantageous Effects
[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the recording sheet that is
being conveyed through the conveyance path 65 comes into contact
with the guide member 34, whereby the guide member 34 is moved from
the first position to the second position. That is, the guide
member 34 can be moved independently of any other member. When the
guide member 34 is located at the first position, at least part of
the conveyance path 65 is closed at the joining position 80,
thereby reducing a risk that the recording sheet conveyed through
the label path 67 and the bypass path 66 erroneously enters the
conveyance path 65. When the guide member 34 is located at the
second position, at least part of the label path 67 and at least
part of the bypass path 66 are closed with respect to the
conveyance path 65, thereby reducing a risk that the recording
sheet conveyed through the conveyance path 65 erroneously enters
the label path 67 or the bypass path 66. Thus, the recording sheet
can be conveyed with high stability in the structure in which the
three paths merge with one another.
[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, when the guide member 34 is
located at the second position, at least part of the label path 67
and at least part of the bypass path 66 are closed with respect to
the conveyance path 65, so that the recording sheet conveyed
through the curved path 65A can be guided to the straight path 65B
while preventing entry of the recording sheet into the label path
67 or the bypass path 66.
[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the label path 67 extends in
a direction opposite to a direction in which the straight path 65B
extends. The label path 67 and the straight path 65B thus can guide
not only the recording sheet, but also the conveyed medium having
high rigidity.
[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, an image can be recorded on
not only the recording sheet, but also the recording medium
supported by the media tray 71 having high rigidity.
[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, when the guide member 34 is
located at the second position, the recording sheet conveyed
through the conveyance path 65 is guided by the guide member 34 and
reaches downstream of the joining position 80 in the straight path
65B in the conveyance direction 17. The recording sheet is then
conveyed toward the first conveyor roller pair 54. Consequently,
there is substantially no risk that the recording sheet that has
reached the straight path 65B while being guided by the guide
member 34 returns upstream of the pivotal distal end of the guide
member 34 in the conveyance direction 17 and thereafter enters the
label path 67 or the bypass path 66. Further, there is
substantially no risk that the recording sheet that has reached the
straight path 65B while being guided by the guide member 34 gets
caught on the guide member 33, etc., that constitute the paths 66,
67, etc., at the joining position 80 located upstream of the
pivotal distal end of the guide member 34 in the conveyance
direction 17.
[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 34 located
at the first position shuts off communication between the curved
path 65A and the straight path 65B, whereby it is possible to
prevent the recording sheet that is conveyed through the straight
path 65B, the label path 67, and the bypass path 66 from
erroneously entering the curved path 65A.
[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 34 located
at the first position is located below the label path 67. It is
thus possible to prevent the guide member 34 from contacting the
media tray 71 that is conveyed through the label path 67 and
consequently being damaged.
[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 34 can guide
the recording sheet conveyed from the bypass path 66 as well as the
recording sheet conveyed from the conveyance path 65.
[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, when the outer guide member
18 is in the open state, the guide member 34 is located, by its own
weight, at the third position that is the lowest position among the
positions at which the guide member 34 can be located. In the
process in which the state of the outer guide member 18 is changed
to the closed state, the guide member 34 located at the third
position is guided by the curved surfaces 52 from the third
position to the first position. Thus, when the outer guide member
18 that has been in the open state for removal of the recording
sheet jammed in the curved path 65A is placed again in the closed
state, it is possible to prevent the guide member 34 from getting
caught on other members, whereby the state of the outer guide
member 18 can be changed into the closed state without being
hindered by the guide member 34.
[0096] In the illustrated embodiment in which the guide member 31
has the recessed portions 51, the guide member 34 at the first
position can be located at a lower position with respect to the
guide member 31 than in a case in which the guide member 31 does
not have the recessed portions 51. It is thus possible to reduce a
space required for the guide member 34 and the guide member 31.
Modified Embodiment
[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 34 is kept
at the first position by its own weight. The printer unit 11 may
have a forcing member that forces the guide member 34 in a
direction from the second position toward the first position, i.e.,
downward. For instance, a coil spring 82 shown in FIG. 8 functions
as the forcing member. The coil spring 82 is disposed outwardly of
the conveyance path 65 in the right-left direction 9. One end of
the coil spring 82 is attached to the guide member 34 while another
end thereof is attached to the housing 14 at a higher position than
that of the one end. The forcing member is not limited to the coil
spring 82. The guide member 34 is forced downward by the coil
spring 82, so that the position of the guide member 34 can be
stabilized.
[0098] The position and the direction of extension of each of the
paths 65, 66, 67 are not limited to those of the illustrated
embodiment, as long as the guide member 34 is movable between the
first position (at which the guide member 34 closes the conveyance
path 65 at the joining position 80 and opens the paths 66, 67 with
respect to the conveyance path 65) and the second position (at
which the guide member 34 opens the conveyance path 65 and closes
the paths 66, 67 with respect to the conveyance path 65).
* * * * *